Ye Xingsheng, researcher of China Tibetology Research Center, chairman of Tibet Collector Association topped the list of "Ten Outstanding Figures of Chinese Cultural Heritage Protection" recently.

Stayed and worked in Tibet for 40 years, Ye made great achievements in art, collection and research, espcially on the field of saving and protecting of Tibetan folk cultural heritage. In 1999, he devoted 2,300 pieces collection to Tibet Autonomous Region and he presented the "Ma Tau Wang pearl Duitou Tangkas" to Sera Monastery in 2003. "All of these things were given by the Party and the people. Without Tibet, without my today life," said Ye in his book.

Organized by China Culture Relics Protection Foundation, the selecting activity of "Ten Outstanding Figures of Chinese Cultural Heritage Protection" started from last September and finished recently with the aim of promoting the social responsibility for cultural heritage protection.